TRICKED OUT AK-47! GANGSTERS GET YA GWOP UP!

The Krebs KTR-08 is a heavy hitter when it comes to tricked out AK-47s. It starts out as a stamped receiver born in the Izhmash Russian arsenal factory. Krebs then makes the gun 922r compliant with the addition of many US made, innovative proprietary parts. Most prominent is the long Picatinny rail (Sight Receiver Rail System Krebs Catalog #51) which uses a solid ball truninon and pivot system to lock in above the stamped receiver cover. The rail is easy to un-mount and lock back in. The rail integrates excellent iron sights using an AR-15-like approach: dual aperture in back, height adjustable post up front. This sight system lengthens the radius by 60% over a regular AK. Ergonomics are greatly improved by the addition of a Krebs proprietary safety catch the transfers the actuation to the right thumb (sorry lefties). This is a huge improvement over the standard AK safety catch. Also an op handle notch is milled into the opposite side safety catch lever which can retain the operating handle, another nice feature. The Krebs forward rail is well designed and narrow, preserving the overall excellent ergonomics of the gun. Plenty of real estate is available on the rail but be careful not destroy your swing weight (discussed). The KTR also has two excellent Tapco brand upgrades: a single hook G2 trigger and pistol grip with storage compartment. The trigger releases crisply. The stock is a VLTOR retractable AR-15 compatible type with storage compartments. It helps cure the length of pull problems inherent is most AK-47s and reduces length for storage. The Styer technology hammer forged barrel is still thin (normal for type) but is fully chrome lined. The gun accepts all standard AK mags and promises to retain the excellent reliability and durability standard for the type. Accuracy is reported to be good by some users on this an updated version of Krebs previous KTR-03. Fit and finish throughout is outstanding and some of the best I've seen in an AK. However the design has two significant downsides: its stout 8.8 pound (empty with mag attached) carry weight and its high $1400 cost (subject to change). Loaded and outfitted with optics and a light, the gun could easily top 10 pounds, approaching the 7.62x51mm semi-auto weight category. And it remains a poor value given its persistently high acquisition cost and the money could be spent on some even more impressive systems. Some feel the KTR-08 deviates too far from the original high value, simple but effective AK formula in trying to mimic an AR-15. I don't agree as I am always open to innovation. But as noted these improvements of the KTR will cost you. If you can take the weight in your system its design overcomes several limitations on the AK design and its superbly executed. Expensive yes. Worth it? You decide.